Nutritional modulation of broiler intestine in the starter period and intestinal integrity
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NUTRITION
Gut health which is characterized by intestinal integrity, intestinal microflora, mucin and enterocyte functionality, may be of greatest concern among poultry producers because it has a great influence on the growth performance and welfare of poultry, as it affects feed digestion, nutrient absorption, protein and energy utilization, immunity and disease resistance.
Zehava Uni, Hebrew University, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Department of Animal Science, Israel
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A critical period in the lifespan of the broiler is the first week post hatch (starter period) were chicks are commonly fasted for the first 36 to 72 h post hatch (because of the logistics of commercial production), their digestive tract is not fully developed with low ability to digest, absorb and assimilate nutrients. Moreover, their intestinal microbial community is not established yet and enables the colonization of the photogenic bacteria. The current presentation describes several nutritional manipulations which promote the intestinal development and influence intestinal microflora and gut integrity.
- nutrition -
